mvalappil

Managing employee expenses is often one of those behind-the-scenes processes that take up more time and effort than we realize. In many companies, team members regularly spend out of pocket or from advances for business activities like travel, site operations, or other operational expenses. What typically happens next is familiar: employees collect bills and receipts, hand them over to the accountant, and the tedious process begins. Bills are manually entered into the system, statements are prepared, dues are calculated, and approvals are sought. Only then can reimbursements be processed. This not only takes time but is also prone to errors and can cause frustration for everyone involved. Expense management systems have transformed this process. For instance, a tool like Zoho Expense allows employees to record expenses directly through an app—taking a photo of the bill and attaching it on the spot. Once submitted, the system handles most of the heavy lifting. Approvers get notified,...

The Reality of Work: Two Sides of the Story There’s been a lot of debate about long working hours and layoffs, with employers often painted as harsh or unfair. But in these discussions, the challenges faced by small businesses rarely get attention. In small businesses, owners invest heavily in hiring, training, and supporting employees—paying them while they learn on the job. Yet, once employees gain experience or find a better opportunity, many leave, sometimes without notice, leaving the business to start over. At the same time, people work long hours because they need the job or because they’re paid well. If they don’t need it anymore, they leave—just as we see in small businesses. Similarly, companies make tough decisions, like layoffs, when circumstances demand it. The truth is, both employees and employers act in their best interest. That’s just how the system works. Instead of complaints, what’s needed is acceptance, a Plan B, and the ability to adapt. Let’s shift the focus ...

Many small businesses I’ve come across don’t keep proper accounting systems. For most, it’s just about filing taxes or issuing invoices. But here’s something to think about—how often are you using accounting to actually manage your business? I see so many entrepreneurs who don’t have a clear picture of their finances. They’re not sure how their business is performing, what their financial position looks like, or where they’re headed. Without this clarity, it’s almost impossible to make confident, informed decisions. The truth is, every business needs a solid accounting system. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about control. A proper system helps you identify leaks, track performance, and take better decisions that drive growth. If you’re still running your business without this foundation, it’s time to change that. Start using accounting as a tool to understand and grow your business, not just to keep up with regulations.

As business owners, we often find ourselves deeply involved in day-to-day operations. However, the true growth potential comes when your business can run independently of you, the owner. The goal should be to create systems, processes, and a team that can manage the operations seamlessly, allowing you to step back and focus on scaling or investing in other opportunities. This shift from being a hands-on entrepreneur to becoming an investor is one of the most rewarding milestones. It’s about building a business that can thrive without your constant oversight—empowering the team and systems to take the reins. How are you setting up your business to operate independently?

I recently came across a job fair organized by a City Corporation in Kerala, inviting companies from across the country to offer jobs to local job seekers. While the initiative is positive, it highlights an irony we face here. Businesses in this region struggle to find good talent, while many young, talented individuals from Kerala are working elsewhere and show little interest in returning to work here. A key factor, I believe, is the lack of aspirational lifestyle options, limited job opportunities that match career aspirations, and insufficient infrastructure. Additionally, many young people point to the lack of freedom and independence when staying in Kerala, where parental and societal influences often limit their personal and professional choices. This sense of constraint often drives them to seek opportunities in other regions where they can grow with more autonomy. While other cities across India attract talent from different parts of the country, what do we have here to offer?...

Marketing Without CRM: A Wasted Investment? For many small businesses, the money and effort spent on marketing often go to waste. Why? Because there’s no proper system to follow up on leads or convert them into customers. You spent on marketing. What’s next? The answer lies in having a structured lead management process and a robust CRM system like Zoho Bigin. A good CRM creates a centralized system to manage all your lead data effectively. It helps you evaluate the success of your marketing efforts while providing insights into your sales team's performance. With a streamlined sales process, following up on leads becomes effortless, ensuring no opportunities are lost. The best part? Implementing a CRM costs only a fraction of your marketing spend but delivers incredible value by maximizing the ROI on your marketing efforts. Invest in the right tools and processes to turn your marketing efforts into real results.